Douglas Duncan
June 23, 1926 - December 17, 2022
Davis, California - Douglas Vernon Duncan was born on June 23, 1926 in Stockton, California to parents Robert and Lorene Carver Duncan. He passed away peacefully on December 17, 2022 at the age of 96. Doug attended Berkeley High School and went onto college at the University of California at Berkeley. He married the love of his life, Mary Kimber, in 1949 and had three children, Robert (Bob), Elizabeth (Betsy), and Edward (Ed).
An All-American football nose tackle at University of California Berkeley, he played with "Pappy's Boys", under renowned coach Pappy Waldorf, and helped take the team to the Rose Bowl in 1949. His love of the game never died, and he continued to be a lifelong Bears and football fan. For years he never missed a Cal game, whether he was bringing kids, grandkids or friends to Cal Stadium, or watching on TV. Go Bears!
He proudly served in World War II and was stationed in the South Pacific. Following the war, he graduated from Cal with a degree in Criminal Justice and began a career with the U.S. Secret Service. His first assignments involved providing security for the president, other dignitaries, and investigating counterfeiting and forgery. As a dedicated Agent and Agent in Charge, he would serve during eight Presidential administrations. One of his more notable assignments was protecting President Ford during an assassination attempt. The candid photo of Doug and his colleagues with the President landed on the cover of Life magazine and was featured in the Smithsonian Museum for many years. He would often talk about one of his favorite assignments, which was guarding ex-President Dwight Eisenhower after the finish of the Masters Golf Tournament in Augusta, Georgia. It seems that Ike had a "tee time" every spring just after the finish of the Masters. Doug loved to reminisce about the times he walked the Masters course with Ike and he would never miss watching the Masters on television. He retired in 1980 after 30 years of loyal service. After retirement he remained active, belonging to numerous law enforcement retirement organizations.
In retirement, he and Mary enjoyed years of camping, exploring and fishing, particularly in Montana, Wyoming and Oregon. He went on to share this love of the outdoors with his children and grandchildren, and loved family camping trips to the Tetons; and family ski trips to the Sierras. A special place for Doug was Ketchikan, Alaska. He drove there from Davis with his trailer, fishing gear and canner for 20 years, until he was 90, in search of the best salmon. He loved bringing friends and family to his little slice of Alaska.
Doug was also an active volunteer and friend at the Davis Lutheran Church. He spent retirement keeping his mind sharp and staying up to date on the latest news so that he could converse with all generations. Throughout his decades in retirement, he loved regaling his children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren with stories from his extraordinary life.
Doug is survived by his wife of 73 years, Mary, and their three children: Bob Duncan, wife Wendy and their three kids Laura, Sara, and Tyler; Daughter Betsy Grovhoug-Smith, husband Kent, and three daughters Shannon, Carly, and Whitney, and son Ed Duncan and wife MaryAnn and kids Daniel and Rosanna. He was immensely proud of his legacy of 16 great-grandchildren.
The family will be hosting a Celebration of Life at El Macero Country Club in Davis, CA on Friday, February 24 at 1:00pm.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by The Sacramento Bee on Jan. 1, 2023.

Memories and Condolences
for Douglas Duncan

20 Entries

Doug Keener

July 15, 2025

I was referred to Doug Duncan while in college in 1970 by a professor at Sacramento State. I had applied to the treasury department for a job with Secret Service and had a number of questions of him at the time. He was able to answer those questions that assisted me down the right path. Secret Service was not hiring at the time and I joined the Customs Agency service in the Treasury Department.

Doug Duncan`s advice led me on a career path that turned out to be very very interesting. I had the opportunity in about 2018 to meet him for lunch with a friend of his my old SAC from the Drug Enforcement Administration and was able to thank him for the advice he gave me in 1970.

We don´t often get the chance to thank somebody who we crossed paths with over the years and I was able to do that with Mr. Duncan how fortunate I was and reading all of these condolences and knowing a couple of my friends who worked for him held him in the highest esteem What a wonderful legacy for the family.

Anthony F.J. Martinis

May 8, 2025

We worked cases together in Sacramento. I had a high regard for him. Doug was very courageous.

Steve Westcott

June 5, 2024

"Uncle" Doug was a man's man. One thing he did was protect his soon-to-be-wife Mary's best friend, Betty Anne Koch...my mom...both at Berkeley High and at Cal. He was her Dutch Uncle and always protected her, including warning her about guys that might not be the greatest choice. When they built their cabin in Soda Springs right after we did, we spent many, many weekends at both cabins, having nothing but fun, and our parents having a blast! Betsy even taught me how to drive in the snow in her VW Bug when I was maybe 14-15. Doug and the Duncan's remind me of some of the best years of my life. I'm so sorry to be so late in hearing about this, but my heart goes out to Mary and the three kids. Love you all, and Doug was the BEST!

Larry Dominguez

December 26, 2023

Doug always made you feel like you were the most important person in the room. He always had a welcoming spirit about him even if you had not seen him in a few years. We spent many long days, weeks, and months on assignment and he always had so many great stories to tell that help keep you sane till you got home again. It was an honor to serve with Doug.

Mary Brennan

March 3, 2023

My father, Justus Spillner considered Doug a dear friend. I am sorry we just learned of his passing. Condolences to all the family.

Michael Best

January 23, 2023

Doug was a man's man. His dedication to duty, his family was something to be desired. I had the privilege of of working with Doug during my tenure with the USSS. I know Doug is with Jesus. I feel honored to have known and worked with Doug.

P.K. Newbrand

January 10, 2023

A true gentleman, statesman, patriot and servant.
I loved Uncle Doug with all my heart.
I am so thankful my dad, Robert Newbrand, chose Doug to be my godfather. Doug always checked in on me, wrote me letters in college, remembered every birthday, sent me care packages and canned salmon! I remember calling the RV park in Alaska to wish him a happy birthday on a big year. His smile was so genuine, he was a great story-teller, but also an incredible listener. Doug loved his family and if you were lucky to be his friend, he loved you like family! Doug was so proud of his children, grand children and great grands and he told me many stories of each of them. I remember as a child cracking walnuts on his patio! My prayers for Mary and family as they mourn this great loss. What a wonderful man who lead a wonderful life and was a difference-maker to all who had the pleasure to know him and be in his presence.

Marian and Mike Flory

January 6, 2023

It's with love that we remember our friend Doug. With much kindness, compassion and patience, Doug helped us through an especially difficult time in our lives We will always be grateful for his help. We send our deepest condolences to Mary and the family and have you in our prayers.

Betty Hamilton Whittinghill

January 6, 2023

Dear Mary and Family: I am so sorry to hear of Doug's passing. I have so many warm memories of Doug's kindness and compassion over the years after first meeting him through the Secret Service in 1970. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May he rest in peace. With heartfelt sympathy. Betty Hamilton Whittinghill.

Dave Saleeba

January 4, 2023

I was hired in 1975 by and worked for Bob Newbrand, another legend in the Service and good friend of Doug.
I recall Mr Newbrand (we called him Boss) speaking fondly of Mr Duncan. His generation was the epitome of the best generation, not only while in the Secret Service, but before and after.
There are still stories and respect for him that is noted among Service "campfires". Impressive is a word that comes to mind when hearing his name. My condolences to Mr Duncan´s family. He´s among the greats in our history. He will be missed.

Larry DOMINGUEZ

January 3, 2023

Doug and I were fellow Secret Service agents. I first met Doug in the 1968 presidential campaign. We were both away from our families for months. Doug had been in the Secret Service for a number of years before me and was a very experienced agent while missing my family a great deal during that time Doug help me get through it when we had any downtime, he would see to it that we got to the ball game, or some event to keep a sane. Doug took me under his wing and taught me a great deal. I heard many a good fishing stories from Doug., How many were true only God knows. He took mini new agents under his wing. And treated them like family. I am a better man for having known him. As the Marine Corps hymn says, "I know you´re guarding the streets in heaven now Doug". Larry Dominguez.

Carolyn Stiver

January 3, 2023

Doug was one of "those guys". Always stalwart, always capable, always kind. He gave so much to this country and his family. His passing leaves a huge hole. Rest in peace, Doug. You've certainly earned it.

Bill Savage

January 3, 2023

Doug was 1 of my 1st bosses in Sacramento. He always helped the rookie agents with his "See mes" written in pencil @ the top of our reports. Although I left the service, we continued our friendship. He was a great salmon fisherman. Best supervisor I ever worked for. Mary will miss him greatly. Rest in peace Doug, you more than paid your dues.

Patti Glassman

January 3, 2023

Doug was right out of central casting as a representative of the "greatest generation," a WWII
veteran before he joined the US Secret Service.
One of his best friends was Bob Newbrand, SAIC of the Miami Field Office. As a result, I was fortunate to know Doug and chat with him frequently, especially when he was the SAIC of Sacramento and often conferred with Bob by phone.
Doug was the consummate professional, the ultimate gentleman and always respectful to agents as well as administrative staff.
He came from an era of Special Agents who set a high standard for their successors to follow.
Doug will be remembered and missed.

GENE H GIBSON

January 3, 2023

I ONLY WORKED ONCE WITH DOUG FOR ABOUT 30 DAYS IN 1971. HE WAS THE BEST, THE GENTLEST OF GENTLEMEN, ONE I'LL ALWAYS REMEMBER.

Russ Miller

January 3, 2023

One of my greatest experiences in the Secret Service was working for Doug when he was SAIC in Sacramento. He was a mentor, trainer, guide, confidant, and a friend. He remained all of those to me even after we both retired. He will truly be missed.

Pete Lowell

January 3, 2023

I was recruited by Doug and worked for him in the San Francisco Office of the U.S. Secret Service from 1971 to 1974. What a great guy and a great boss!! His mentoring was what the rest of my Secret Service career worthwhile and successful.

Tony Poggi

January 2, 2023

Doug can be described in two words - GREAT GUY!!!

Roy Nedrow

December 30, 2022

The passing of Doug Duncan marks the end of an era in the Secret Service. He was an agent's agent and personified a Secret Service that was about selfless dedication to the mission, to the agency, and to this country that I doubt will never be duplicated.

Doug's impact on the agency through his tireless recruitment and championship of the Service was his legacy. It is unmatched to to this day.

I was recruited by Doug to join the Secret Service in 1968. In my 40 years of law enforcement he was and will always be the best boss with whom I ever worked. He will be missed and never be forgotten by the dozens and dozens of agents he befriended, mentored, and supervised.

Doug Uhlik

December 30, 2022

Doug was a regular at the Edward Jones Investments "Coffee Club" meetings in Davis, CA. I always looked forward to seeing him there, and he was always a pleasure to converse with regarding investments and other random topics. I had the upmost respect for the man, and he will be remembered by me as one of the "good ones". Thank you for your service to this Country my friend...You made it a better place. God Bless...

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